THOUSANDS of people are expected to line the route when the Commonwealth Games baton arrives in the city to complete the final leg of its world tour.

And those hoping to catch a glimpse of this historic event are being urged to give themselves plenty of time to grab the best vantage point.

A night of celebration is being planned when the baton arrives in Manchester city centre on Wednesday. Police are warning motorists that part of the city will be closed between 2pm and 8pm while the festivities take place.

Baton relay organisers are urging people to leave the car at home and use public transport instead.

The baton will be carried to Albert Square by Manchester United star Ryan Giggs and former Manchester City player Stuart Pearce, now a member of the coaching staff.

They will have the honour of being the day's final runners and will bring the baton up Brazennose Street to Albert Square and on to the stage at 6.50pm.

Celebration

But the fun will start much earlier, at 4.30pm, with a party, hosted by Radio One's Mark and Lard, which will include 10cc's Graham Gouldman and Friends, United Colours of Sound, Cultural Fusion Choir, tribute band La Caj, the Kuljit Bhamra Band and Heritage Bhangra Dancers and Y2K.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, Minister for Sport Richard Caborn, Manchester city council leader Richard Leese and running legend Steve Cram MBE will be on stage to welcome the baton.

Other stars to carry it on its approach to the city centre include Coronation Street's Chris Bisson (6.13pm along great Ancoats St from Newton St to Mason St); Trevor Brooking (6.21pm along Great Ancoats St from Mason St to Corporation St and Miller St); Ian Kelsey of BBC's Casualty (6.28pm along Corporation St from Fennel St to Deansgate and St Mary Gate) and another Coronation Street favourite, Tracy Shaw (6.36pm along Deansgate from St Mary Gate to Brazennose St) who will hand the baton to the football heroes.

Ryan Giggs said: "Carrying the baton is a great honour and will be a highlight of my career.

"To be one of the 5,000 runners who are carrying the baton is quite special. When I think of the sporting legends and the community heroes who have held it, I really do feel completely honoured to be among them.

"I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the celebration in the heart of Manchester and to feeling the buzz of a Commonwealth Games city."

A spokeswoman for the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay said: "Make a night of it - stay in town after work for dinner or go shopping and enjoy the free entertainment.

"But please remember road safety at all times and follow the directions of safety and security staff at all times."